The Truth Behind 5 Common Auto Detailing Myths

January 7, 2016

The benefits of auto detailing are more than skin deep! Proper auto detailing involves removing oxidization and bonded contamination from a vehicle’s exterior, and thoroughly assessing the auto body in the process for elements that may need adjustments or repairs. Keeping the vehicle in top shape will also keep the driver’s eventual resale price high.

That’s why drivers are meant to bring in their cars for a polish and wax periodically, but many forget how important and effective these services can be. Or worse, they believe myths about auto detailing that can either lose them money or damage their vehicles in the long run.

Here are the truths behind 5 of these common auto detailing myths:

Myth #1: Machine Polishers Are Damaging to a Vehicle’s Paint Job

Car paint is built to last—to withstand storms, winds, and daily handling by drivers and their families alike. A dual-action machine built specifically to polish these paint coats will never do them damage, unless the machine is in the wrong person’s hands.

If you pursue training, you’ll learn how to skillfully use polishing machines (also called orbitals) in auto detailing school. You and your peers will learn basic precautions and techniques that will assure each of your future clients their vehicles will benefit from a polish, not be damaged by it.

Myth #2: If a Car is Shiny, It Doesn’t Need Auto Detailing Work

Auto detailing professionals know their work involves more than meets the eye. And car paint is designed to maintain high-shine, so it’s not an accurate reflection of a vehicle’s actual state of cleanliness.

Those with training can tell if a car needs detailing work by a single touch—is it satiny smooth, or rough and bumpy? Rough spots are a sign that even the shiniest car is due for a good dose of detailing clay, which removes the surface contamination without damaging or thinning the vehicle’s clearcoat.

Myth #3: The More Expensive the Wax, the Better the Auto Detailing Work

A jar of car wax costing upwards of $100 won’t necessarily perform better than a product costing $30 or less. The performance and effectiveness of the wax depends on the professional who applies it.

It’s also that professional’s job to ensure their clients are getting the most out of their auto detailing investments. When you become an auto detailing pro, be sure to offer your clients fair rates and inform them that splurging on expensive car wax is usually unnecessary.

Myth#4: Soft Old Rags Are Best for Car Washing and Auto Detailing

They may feel soft to the touch, but old flannels, bath towels, t-shirts, and even (unused) diapers should not be used to polish a client’s car. Rags, diapers, and shirts will actually scratch and swirl a vehicle’s clearcoat, because textiles like these are stitched with at least partially polyester thread.

That’s why professionals learn to use specialized polishing tools in their auto detailing training. Auto detailing supply companies offer microfiber shine and detailing cloths that can do the job much better than an old rag ever could.

The wrong cleaning supplies can leave a client’s vehicle worse for the wear.

Like old rags, dishwashing detergent is not a part of a professional’s auto detailing routine. While it’s made to remove oils, grease, and grime, it’s also great at removing waxes, polymers, and silicones—the protective coats carefully applied to protect a vehicle’s auto body. PH-balanced car wash soaps and the aforementioned detail clay are much preferred.

Knowledge like this sets the trained professionals apart from the amateurs—and the difference is in the details.